Submissions open for Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a worldwide science communication competition for high school students. It asks participants to explain a scientific concept in a short, original video that is clear, engaging, and creative.

The competition is designed to make science more accessible and exciting for young audiences. It also encourages students to strengthen their own understanding of life sciences, physics, and mathematics through storytelling.

Key facts

• Competition type: Global science video challenge.

• Eligible age: 13 to 18.

• Age rule: Participants must be at least 13 by 11 May 2026 and not older than 18 as of 1 October 2026.

• Video length: Up to 2 minutes.

• Subject areas: Life sciences, physics, or mathematics.

• Main prize: $250,000 post-secondary scholarship.

• Teacher prize: $50,000.

• School prize: $100,000 Breakthrough Science Lab.

What the competition is about

Participants must create a short video that explains a scientific theory or concept in a way that is understandable and interesting. The challenge values clarity, originality, and creativity more than technical complexity.

The goal is to inspire curiosity about science while helping young people communicate difficult ideas in simple, memorable ways. This makes the competition both educational and creative.

Who is eligible?

The competition is open to students around the world who meet the age requirements.

Student eligibility

• Must be at least 13 years old by 11 May 2026.

• Must not be older than 18 as of 1 October 2026.

• Must create an original video.

Teacher eligibility

• The winner’s teacher receives a prize.

• Teachers who are close relatives of the winner are not eligible for the teacher award.

School eligibility

• The winner’s school receives a Breakthrough Science Lab.

• The school prize is intended to support science learning and innovation.

Prize structure

Student prize

The main winner receives a $250,000 scholarship for accredited post-secondary education.

This scholarship must be used for eligible undergraduate expenses such as:

• Tuition.

• Fees.

• Books.

• Housing.

It is paid directly to the accredited institution and must be used within eight years of high school graduation.

Teacher prize

The winner’s teacher receives a $50,000 prize in recognition of their educational support.

School prize

The winner’s school receives a $100,000 Breakthrough Science Lab.

This prize is meant to strengthen science education infrastructure and encourage innovation in learning.

What makes a strong entry

A competitive video should:

• Explain one concept clearly.

• Be creative and engaging.

• Use accurate science.

• Keep the explanation within 2 minutes.

• Show originality in presentation.

• Make a complex topic easy to understand.

The strongest entries usually combine storytelling, visual clarity, and scientific accuracy.

How it works

1. Choose a topic.

   • Select a concept from life sciences, physics, or mathematics.

2. Build a clear explanation.

   • Focus on one idea rather than covering too much.

3. Create an original video.

   • Make the explanation visually engaging and easy to follow.

4. Check the age rules.

   • Confirm eligibility based on the date requirements.

5. Prepare the submission.

   • Ensure the video meets the length and content rules.

6. Verify prize conditions.

   • Winners, teachers, and schools may need to complete formal eligibility and agreement steps before prizes are awarded.

Why it matters

The competition matters because science communication is a valuable skill in education and public life. Students who can explain complex ideas clearly often develop deeper understanding themselves.

It also matters because the prizes support education at multiple levels: the student, the teacher, and the school. That makes the challenge both a competition and an investment in science learning.

Common mistakes and tips

• Mistake: Choosing a topic that is too broad.

  • Tip: Focus on one concept you can explain well in two minutes.

• Mistake: Making the video too technical.

  • Tip: Aim for clarity and accessibility.

• Mistake: Ignoring the age eligibility rules.

  • Tip: Check both age cutoffs carefully.

• Mistake: Forgetting originality.

  • Tip: The video must be your own work.

• Mistake: Overloading the video with facts.

  • Tip: Use a simple narrative and one strong central idea.

FAQ

What is the Breakthrough Junior Challenge?

• It is a global science video competition for students.

• It rewards creative explanations of science, mathematics, and physics.

Who can enter?

• Students aged 13 to 18 from around the world.

• They must meet the specific age cutoffs for 2026.

How long can the video be?

• Up to two minutes.

What subjects are allowed?

• Life sciences.

• Physics.

• Mathematics.

What is the main prize?

• A $250,000 post-secondary scholarship.

What do the teacher and school receive?

• The teacher receives $50,000.

• The school receives a $100,000 Breakthrough Science Lab.

How must the scholarship be used?

• It must be used for accredited post-secondary education expenses.

• Eligible costs include tuition, fees, books, and housing.

Conclusion

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a major opportunity for young students who enjoy science and storytelling. The competition rewards clear thinking, creativity, and scientific understanding while also supporting future education for the winner, the teacher, and the school.

For more information, visit Breakthrough Prize Foundation.